Reinforced connector

ABSTRACT

A connector for attaching at least one flexible tube to a fluid passage of another object includes a body and at least one connector port on the body. At least one tube port projects from the body and is adapted for fluid communication with the connector port. A portion of the body at least partially surrounds the tube port and defines an interior space containing at least a portion of the tube port. The tube port is sized and shaped for being received in an end of the flexible tube to establish fluid communication with the flexible tube. A tube retainer is at least partially disposed in the interior space defined by the portion of the body and has an engaging portion disposed in relation to the tube port to restrain the flexible tube from lateral movement with respect to the tube port.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 11/750,452, filedMay 18, 2007, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to connectors for attaching flexible tubes,particularly for use for attaching flexible tubes of medical apparatusincluding compression therapy devices and air pumps.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a medical environment, many devices have a fluid connection to otherdevices or to a patient that is made by flexible tubing. One example isthe connection of an air compressor to an inflatable bladder in acompression device used in deep vein thrombosis therapy. When connectinga medical device to a fluid supply, a non-leaking seal must be madebetween compatible devices and/or fluid sources. Thus, connections mustbe designed to provide an adequate seal between sealing surfaces whenthe devices and/or supply are compatible. Typical devices have a maleand female connector that, when pressed together, form a fluid tightseal. The connectors come in different sizes and shapes and typicallyhave ports, O-rings or gaskets to help create a fluid tight seal.

Typical compression therapy devices are wrapped around a limb to preventperipheral edema and conditions such as deep vein thrombosis. Thesedevices typically include at least one air bladder that is sized andshaped for being applied on or around the limb. The bladder issequentially inflated and deflated to artificially stimulate blood flowthroughout the appendage that would normally result from, for example,walking.

An example of such a device that is configured for disposal about a footis shown in U.S. Pub. No. 2005/0187499 and a device configured fordisposal about the leg is shown in U.S. Pub. No. 2005/0187503.Typically, these compression therapy devices are connected to a tube setwhich provides fluid communication from a pressure source (e.g., an aircompressor) to the compression therapy device. A controller is employedto regulate the flow of fluid from the pressure source to thecompression therapy device.

The compression therapy device, tube set and controller each containconnections for connecting and disconnecting the compression therapydevice from the pressure source. Often the compression therapy deviceincludes a plurality of bladders and separate tubes for independentlyinflating each bladder. The connectors include a plastic housing havingat least one tube port for connecting to a tube and, in many instancesinclude a plurality of tube ports. The housing is more rigid than theflexible tubing, and also is capable of being connected via a matingconnector to other tubes or to the controller.

Typically the tube ports of the connectors are received within thetubes. During disconnection of mating male and female connectors, thepractitioner often grasps the tubes and pulls such that the male andfemale connectors become separated. This causes bending forces to beapplied to the tube ports that result in one of the tube ports breakingoff from the housing of the connector. This is particularly a problemwith connectors that attach to controllers of sequential compressiondevices as the controller is typically stationary and the connectors arenot at the same height as the practitioner.

Hashimoto, U.S. Pat. No. 4,478,436 shows a hose clam shell style sleevethat fits around tubes that are connected to a fitting. The tubes fit insemicircular slots in the sleeve. The separate sleeve is not practicalin use and may be come easily lost. Dye, U.S. Pat. No. 4,804,208, showsa connector that has a narrow slot in a cover through which the tubesproject into the connector for attachment to ports. The cover is also aseparate part that may become lost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a connector for attaching at least one flexible tube to afluid passage of another object generally comprises a body and at leastone connector port on the body sized and shaped for connecting theconnector port in fluid communication with the fluid passage of theobject. At least one tube port projects from the body and is adapted forfluid communication with the connector port. A portion of the body atleast partially surrounds the tube port and defines an interior spacecontaining at least a portion of the tube port. The tube port is sizedand shaped for being received in an end of the flexible tube toestablish fluid communication with the flexible tube. A tube retainer isat least partially disposed in the interior space defined by the portionof the body and has an engaging portion disposed in relation to the tubeport to restrain the flexible tube from lateral movement with respect tothe tube port.

In another aspect, a compression system for use in applying pressure toan appendage of a patient generally comprises an air pump for supplyingair under pressure and having a fluid passage, at least one flexibletube, and a connector adapted for attachment to an outlet of the airpump and for attaching the at least one flexible tube to a fluid passageof another object. The connector comprises a body and at least oneconnector port on the body sized and shaped for connecting the connectorport in fluid communication with the fluid passage of the air pump. Atleast one tube port projects from the body and is adapted for fluidcommunication with the connector port. A portion of the body at leastpartially surrounds the tube port and defines an interior spacecontaining at least a portion of the tube port. The tube port is sizedand shaped for being received in an end of the flexible tube toestablish fluid communication with the flexible tube. A tube retainer isat least partially disposed in the interior space defined by the portionof the body and has an engaging portion disposed in relation to the tubeport to restrain the flexible tube from lateral movement with respect tothe tube port.

In yet another aspect, a compression therapy device for use with asource of air pressure having a fluid passage generally comprises atleast one air bladder sized and shaped for being applied to an appendageof a patient and in fluid communication with a flexible tube, and aconnector connected to the tube. The connector comprises a body and atleast one connector port on the body sized and shaped for connecting theconnector port in fluid communication with the fluid passage of thesource of air pressure. At least one tube port projects from the bodyand is adapted for fluid communication with the connector port. The tubeport is sized and shaped for being received in an end of the flexibletube to establish fluid communication with the flexible tube. A portionof the body at least partially surrounds the tube port and defines aninterior space containing at least a portion of the tube port. A tuberetainer is at least partially disposed in the interior space defined bythe portion of the body and has an engaging portion disposed in relationto the tube port to restrain the flexible tube from lateral movementwith respect to the tube port.

Other features will be in part apparent and in part pointed outhereinafter. Various refinements exist of the features noted in relationto the above-mentioned aspects of the present invention. Furtherfeatures may also be incorporated in the above-mentioned aspects of thepresent invention as well. These refinements and additional features mayexist individually or in any combination. For instance, various featuresdiscussed below in relation to any of the illustrated embodiments of thepresent invention may be incorporated into any of the above-describedaspects of the present invention, alone or in any combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a connector apparatus with first and secondconnectors of the connector apparatus engaged;

FIG. 2 is a perspective of the connector apparatus of FIG. 1 with thefirst and second connectors separated;

FIG. 2A is a section taken in the plane including line 2A-2A of FIG. 2and illustrating a flexible tube attached to a tube port of the firstconnector;

FIG. 3. is a perspective of a mating side of the first connector ofFIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the connector apparatus of FIG. 1taken in a plane including line 4-4 on FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation of the first connector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation of a second embodiment of a connector;

FIG. 7 is a perspective of a controller of a compression therapy deviceincorporating the second connector of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a perspective of a tube set including a first connector and asecond connector;

FIG. 9 is a front elevation of a third embodiment of a connector;

FIG. 10 is a front elevation of a fourth embodiment of a connector;

FIG. 11 is a perspective of a compression therapy device including theconnector of FIG. 9.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular FIGS. 1 and 2, aconnector apparatus constructed according to principles of the presentinvention is generally shown at 1. The connector apparatus 1 includes afirst connector 6 and second connector 10.

The first connector 6 includes a housing 17 (broadly, “a body”) andthree tube ports 11,12,13 for attaching flexible tubes (not shown). Thetube ports 11,12,13 are sized and shaped for being received in an end ofa flexible tube to establish fluid communication between with theflexible tube and the tube port. The tube ports 11,12,13 project alongan axis and have an exterior surface suitable for forming a seal with aninterior surface of the flexible tube.

The housing 17 includes a shroud 20 which projects outwardly from thehousing. The shroud 20 generally surrounds the tube ports 11,12,13.Retainers 22 project from the shroud 20 in a radial direction toward theouter two tube ports 11,13 to restrain lateral movement of the flexibletube with respect to the tube ports 11,13 as will be described morefully hereinafter. Restrain lateral movement may include permitting somelimited lateral movement of the tube. Moreover, the restrainers may ormay not contact the flexible tube before some lateral movement of thetube on the tube port.

The first connector 6 comprises two resilient latches 35 (one on eachside of the first connector) for connection of the first connector andthe second connector 10. The second connector 10 includes a housing 38and connector ports 52,53,54 formed as one piece with the housing. Thesecond connector 10 includes two latch receiving members 33 and matingcatch holes 30. The latch receiving members 33 include deflectingportions 42 for deflecting respective resilient latches 35 inward sothat ears at the distal ends of the latches can be received within thecatch holes 30 upon connection of the first connector 6 and secondconnector 10. This releasably secures the first and second connectors 6,10 together. The ears can be manually deflected out of the catch holes30 to release the connectors 6,10 from each other. Other constructionsfor releasably securing the first and second connectors together may beused. Moreover, structure for locking the connectors together may beomitted without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the illustrated embodiment, the connectors 6,10 are keyed to requirea predetermined orientation of the first and second connectors whereconnected. Two guide rails 40 extend from the housing 38 of the secondconnector 10 for alignment of the first connector 6 and the secondconnector. The guide rails 40 are adapted to be slidingly receivedwithin two corresponding grooves 43 (one shown) of the first connector6. The rails 40 and grooves 43 guide the connectors 6, 10 straighttogether upon connection. Moreover, the exterior shapes of the portionof the housing 17 of the first connector 6 (i.e., male portion 50) andthe portion of the second connector housing 38 receiving the maleportion are also shaped to require a particular orientation of theconnectors 6, 10 for connection. Other configurations for alignment andorientation may be used, or the connectors may have no alignment orguidance features within the scope of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 3, three connector ports 45, 46, 47 are formed asone piece with the housing 17. The connector ports 45, 46, 47 are sizedand shaped for connecting the connector ports in fluid communicationwith the fluid passage of an object such as the connector ports 52,53,54of the second connector 10. The connector ports 45, 46, 47 are in fluidcommunication with the tube ports 11,12,13 of the first connector 6. Thehousing 17 includes the male portion 50, which is sized and shaped to bereceived in the second connector 10.

The section of the mated first and second connectors 6, 10 shown in FIG.4 passes through connector port 46 of the first connector 6. Theconnector port 46 includes a port stem 41 and a gasket 44 attached tothe port stem. The gasket 44 may be made of any material sufficient toprovide a fluid-tight seal with the connector port 53 such aspolyvinylchloride (PVC). The gasket 44 may be attached to the port stem41 in a suitable manner such as by adhesive. Other constructions forachieving a fluid tight connection of the connector ports 45, 46, 47 ofthe first connector 6 with the connector parts 52, 53, 54 of the secondconnector 10 may be used within the scope of the present invention.

To connect the first connector 6 and the second connector 10, the guiderails 40 are aligned with the grooves 43 and force is applied such thatthe housing 17 of the first connector 6 is received within the housing38 of the second connector 10 (see, FIG. 2). During connection, theconnector ports 45,46,47 of the first connector 6 (FIG. 3) receive theconnector ports 52,53,54 of the second connector 10. The resilientlatches 35 are received within the latch receiving members 33. Theresilient latches 35 are forced inward by the deflecting portions 42(only one is shown) of the latch receiving members 33. The housing 17 ofthe first connector 6 advances into the housing 38 of the secondconnector until the resilient latches 35 are received within the matingcavities 30 to secure the connectors together.

Referring to FIG. 5, the first connector 6 is shown in detail. Each tuberetainer 22 comprises a rib 30 which projects from the shroud 20 towardthe tube ports 11,13. The retainers 22 also include an engaging endportion 25 attached to each rib 30 and disposed in relation to the tubeports 11,13. Each rib 30 is relatively thin and is generally coextensivewith the adjacent tube port (11 or 13). The engaging portion 25(broadly, “engaging portion member”) extends generally transversely tothe rib 30 so that, as seen end on in FIG. 5, the retainer 22 has agenerally “T” shaped configuration. Other configurations are permitted,but this embodiment provides material savings while also beingsufficiently robust. The engaging end portions 25 are in radiallyopposed relation with a portion of the exterior surface of the tubeports 11,13. The engaging end portions 25 engage the flexible tubes (orare located in close proximity to the flexible tubes) when the tubeports 11,13 are received in the flexible tubes to restrain the flexibletubes from lateral movement with respect to the tube ports.

The retainers 22 are in radially opposed relation to the tube ports11,13 along the entire axis of the tube ports (FIG. 2). It is within thescope of the present invention that the retainers may be in radiallyopposed relation to the tube ports along less than the entire axis ofthe tube ports, however, it is preferred that the retainers oppose thetube ports at least at the distal end of the tube ports in order toprevent forces being applied to the tube ports that would result inseparation of the tube port from the connector housing. Moreover, thenumber of the retainers and the arrangement may be other thanillustrated. For instance, the center port 12 is shown as having nocorresponding retainers, as the engagement of the tube on the centerport 12 with the tubes on either side would restrain the tubes on thecenter port from substantial lateral movement. However, retainers (notshown) could be positioned next to the center port 12 also. Engaging endportions 25 generally have an arcuate rounded surface. However, theengaging end portions 25 may form a variety of shapes and surfaces forengaging the flexible tube within the scope of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 6, engaging end portions 125 of retainers 122 ofconnector 106 have the shape of a cylindrical segment. The connector 106is similar to the connector 6, and corresponding parts of the connector106 will be designated by the same reference numbers as connector 6,plus “100”. Ribs 130 extend from the shroud 120. The ribs 130 are spacedapart to effectively support the engaging end portions 125 and eachengaging end portion extends continuously between three ribs. Generallyspeaking, a shape of the end portion 125, whether a shorter arc like endportion 25 or a cylindrical segment 125, that corresponds to the shapeof the tube to be engaged by the end portion is preferred.

The first connector 6, 106 can be mated to objects other than the secondconnector 10 without departing from the scope of the present invention.In embodiments where the first connector 6 is adapted to be mated to thesecond connector 10, the second connector can be in fluid communicationwith a variety of objects including a controller 290 of a compressiontherapy device (FIG. 7) or a tube set 380 (FIG. 8).

Referring to FIG. 7, the controller 290 of a sequential compressiontherapy device includes a second connector 210 which is in fluidcommunication with a source of pressurized air. The second connector 210may have substantially the same configuration as the connector 10. Thepressurized air is generated by a pump within the controller 290. Theconnector 210 is adapted for receiving the first connector 6 illustratedin FIG. 1, or the connector 106 of FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 8, the tube set 380 is illustrated. The tube set iscapable of interconnecting the controller 290 (FIG. 7) with acompression therapy device such as a compression therapy device forapplication to the leg. The tube set 380 comprises three tubes 382, 383,384. The first connector 306 includes three tube ports 311, 312, 313attached to the three tubes 382, 383, 384. The first connector 306 isalso adapted for connection to the controller 290 (FIG. 7) of acompression therapy device.

The second connector 310 is attached to the three tubes 382, 383, 384 atopposite ends of the tubes from the first connector 306. The secondconnector 310 may be adapted for connection to a compression therapydevice, for example a compression therapy device for application to theleg as shown and disclosed in U.S. Publ. No. 2005/0187503. The first andsecond connectors 306, 310 of the tube set 380 correspond to the firstand second connectors 6, 10 of FIGS. 1-5.

The first connectors 6, 106 illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 includeretainers 22, 122 which restrain the flexible tubes attached to theouter two tube ports 11, 13, 111, 113. The first connector 6, 106 may beconfigured to restrain any number of flexible tubes including eachflexible tube attached to the connector or only one of the flexibletubes attached to the connector within the scope of the presentinvention. Connectors with greater or fewer than three tube ports arealso contemplated.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a first connector 406 includes a middle tubeport 412 with retainers 422 disposed in relation to the tube port 412.Except as described, the construction of the first connector 406 issubstantially the same as connector 6, and corresponding parts of thefirst connector 406 are given the same reference number as for connector6, plus “400.” The retainers 422 comprise ribs 430 which project fromthe shroud 420 and engaging end portions 425 that restrain the flexibletube from lateral movement with respect to the tube port 412. Referringto FIG. 410, a first connector 406 includes a middle tube port 412 withretainers 422 disposed in relation to the tube port 412. The retainers422 comprise ribs 430 which project from the shroud 420 and arcuateengaging end portions 425 that restrain the flexible tube from lateralmovement with respect to the tube port 412.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a compression therapy device for use with asource of air pressure includes a bladder 477 located with a wrap 478sized and shaped for being applied to the foot. The compression therapydevice 475 includes a bladder connector 479 for fluid communicationbetween the bladder 477 and a flexible tube 481. The flexible tube isconnected at one end to the first connector 406. The first connector 406is illustrated in detail in FIG. 9 and includes retainers 422 torestrain the flexible tube 481 from lateral movement with respect to thetube port. The first connector 406 is adapted to be releasably securedto a source of air pressure such as the second connector 210 of thecontroller 290 illustrated in FIG. 7 or the second connector 310 of thetube set 380 illustrated in FIG. 8.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferredembodiments(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” areintended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of theinvention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above methods without departingfrom the scope of the invention, it is intended that all mattercontained in the above description and shown in the accompanying figuresshall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

1. A connector for attaching at least one flexible tube to a fluid passage of another object, the connector comprising a body, at least one connector port on the body sized and shaped for connecting the connector port in fluid communication with the fluid passage of the object, at least one tube port projecting from the body and adapted for fluid communication with the connector port, a portion of the body at least partially surrounding the tube port and defining an interior space containing at least a portion of the tube port, the tube port being sized and shaped for being received in an end of the flexible tube to establish fluid communication with the flexible tube, and a tube retainer at least partially disposed in the interior space defined by said portion of the body and having an engaging portion disposed in relation to the tube port to restrain the flexible tube from lateral movement with respect to the tube port.
 2. A connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein the tube retainer projects laterally from said portion of the body toward the tube port.
 3. A connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein the tube port projects along an axis and has an exterior surface, the engaging portion of the tube retainer being in radially opposed relation with at least a portion of the exterior surface of the tube port around at least a portion of a circumference of the tube port.
 4. A connector as set forth in claim 3 wherein the engagement surface extends around at least about half of the circumference of the tube port.
 5. A connector as set forth in claim 3 wherein the engaging portion is spaced from the exterior surface of the tube port at a substantially constant distance.
 6. A connector as set forth in claim 5 wherein the engaging portion has the shape of a cylindrical segment.
 7. A connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein the engaging portion comprises separate engaging portion members.
 8. A connector as set forth in claim 1 further comprising plural tube ports and plural tube retainers.
 9. A connector as set forth in claim 1 in combination with the flexible tube receiving the tube port therein.
 10. A compression system for use in applying pressure to an appendage of a patient comprising: an air pump for supplying air under pressure and having a fluid passage; at least one flexible tube; a connector adapted for attachment to an outlet of the air pump and for attaching said at least one flexible tube to a fluid passage of another object, the connector comprising a body, at least one connector port on the body sized and shaped for connecting the connector port in fluid communication with the fluid passage of the air pump, at least one tube port projecting from the body adapted for fluid communication with the connector port, a portion of the body at least partially surrounding the tube port and defining an interior space containing at least a portion of the tube port, the tube port being sized and shaped for being received in an end of the flexible tube to establish fluid communication with the flexible tube, and a tube retainer at least partially disposed in the interior space defined by said portion of the body and having an engaging portion disposed in relation to the tube port to restrain the flexible tube from lateral movement with respect to the tube port.
 11. A compression system as set forth in claim 10 wherein the tube port projects along an axis and has an exterior surface, the engaging portion of the tube retainer being in radially opposed relation with at least a portion of the exterior surface of the tube port around at least a portion of a circumference of the tube port.
 12. A compression system as set forth in claim 11 wherein the engagement surface extends around at least about half of the circumference of the tube port.
 13. A compression system as set forth in claim 11 wherein the engaging portion is spaced from the exterior surface of the tube port at a substantially constant distance.
 14. A compression system as set forth in claim 13 wherein the engaging portion has the shape of a cylindrical segment.
 15. A compression system as set forth in claim 10 further comprising a plurality of tube ports and a single tube retainer.
 16. A compression therapy device for use with a source of air pressure having a fluid passage, the compression therapy device comprising at least one air bladder sized and shaped for being applied to an appendage of a patient and in fluid communication with a flexible tube, a connector connected to the tube, the connector comprising a body, at least one connector port on the body sized and shaped for connecting the connector port in fluid communication with the fluid passage of the source of air pressure, at least one tube port projecting from the body adapted for fluid communication with the connector port, the tube port being sized and shaped for being received in an end of the flexible tube to establish fluid communication with the flexible tube, a portion of the body at least partially surrounding the tube port and defining an interior space containing at least a portion of the tube port, and a tube retainer at least partially disposed in the interior space defined by said portion of the body and having an engaging portion disposed in relation to the tube port to restrain the flexible tube from lateral movement with respect to the tube port.
 17. A compression therapy device as set forth in claim 16 wherein the tube port projects along an axis and has an exterior surface, the engaging portion of the tube retainer being in radially opposed relation with at least a portion of the exterior surface of the tube port around at least a portion of a circumference of the tube port.
 18. A compression therapy device as set forth in claim 17 wherein the engagement surface extends around at least about half of the circumference of the tube port.
 19. A compression therapy device as set forth in claim 17 wherein the engaging portion is spaced from the exterior surface of the tube port at a substantially constant distance.
 20. A compression therapy device as set forth in claim 19 wherein the engaging portion has the shape of a cylindrical segment. 